Tragedy struck the Akunza community in Lafia, Nasarawa State, after suspected bandits attacked a family home, killing one brother and leaving another critically injured.

The victims, identified as Edwin and his elder brother Cyril, were supervising construction work at their family house on Monday when the assailants stormed the property.

According to a relative, the workers on-site earlier in the day had just left when the gunmen arrived.

“They came calling their names and tried to force the door open. When they couldn’t, because the brothers had locked it from inside, the attackers went to the window and shot Edwin first before turning the gun on Cyril,” the relative explained.

While Edwin died instantly, Cyril managed to place a distress call to their mother before collapsing from his gunshot wounds. He is currently battling for his life.

The killings have thrown the family into deep mourning and sparked outrage among Lafia residents, who say insecurity in the state capital is becoming unbearable.

Contrary to earlier reports that the brothers were attacked while returning from the farm, eyewitnesses confirmed that the incident happened inside Akunza, a lively area with neighbours nearby and ongoing activities.

The attack came just hours after another resident, Alhaji Sani, was shot dead in his Lafia home by suspected bandits. In that case, angry neighbours managed to overpower and lynch one of the attackers.

Back-to-back killings have heightened tension across Lafia, with locals calling for urgent government and security intervention.
“Frequent attacks and killings here are worrisome. People can no longer sleep with both eyes closed,” a resident lamented. “We need urgent action before Lafia becomes a war zone.”

As of the time of filing this report, police authorities in Nasarawa have yet to release an official statement on the incidents.